Margaret Bronson Deconstructs the Powers of Spiritual Abuse
IVP
The Church’s power lies in loving broken people unconditionally, not in breaking people with conditional love.
In this episode of The Disrupters, Caleb Campbell welcomes writer, advocate, and co-founder of Deconstruction Doulas, Margaret Bronson, for a conversation about power, spiritual authority, and abuse in church spaces. Margaret shares about her journey out of a highly controlling religious environment, through the systems and structures of the modern American church, and now to her work as a “doula” for people navigating religious trauma. Together, they explore the deep wounds caused by unhealthy theology and conditional belonging, and what it takes to love the spiritually wounded.
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Referencing Martin Luther, George Washington in Hamilton, and Babe the Pig, Margaret exposes how systems of coercion and tough love have replaced the vulnerable way of Jesus, and challenges the Church’s assumptions about where saving power resides. She invites us to rethink grace, to trust the Holy Spirit with those we love, and to practice radical hospitality for those carrying pain and fear.
This episode offers hope to survivors of spiritual abuse who are rebuilding their faith and gives Christians practical steps for fostering true belonging and safety in every part of church life.
Tune in and discover how churches can become green pastures where everyone, especially the wounded and the downtrodden, can find rest, security, and peace.
This episode highlights the following themes:
✅ The difference between oppressive and healing power in the church
✅ Creating church spaces of safety, vulnerability, and genuine welcome
✅ The harm of conditional belonging and coercive “tough love” leadership
Links from the episode:
✅ Learn more about Margaret Bronson and Deconstruction Doulas (https://www.deconstructiondoulas.com/)
✅ Learn more about The Disrupters (https://www.ivpress.com/the-disrupters-podcast?utm_source=ivpod25&utm_medium=ivp_dsr&utm_campaign=season7)
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